Tag Archives: mma

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

WELTERWEIGHT GOLD ON THE LINE FRIDAY NIGHT AT ‘BELLATOR 164’ INSIDE MENORA MIVTACHIM ARENA IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

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TEL AVIV, ISRAEL. (November 8, 2016) – Bellator MMA has invaded the “Holy Land” for the first time in the history of the promotion and is ready to deliver a plethora of great matchups, including a welterweight world title fight pitting Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) against Douglas Lima(27-6).

 

With “Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” only a few days away, Bellator’s digital team has put together a collection of exclusive new content to preview the stacked event at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Join us as we dive into a behind-the-scenes look at the competitors’ journey to Fridaynight’s big show. For more in-depth footage of our enticing contests coming your way, look no further than Bellator’s amazing YouTube page.

 

BELLATOR MMA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE BOUT

Over a year ago, current division champ Andrey Koreshkov defeated Douglas Lima for the welterweight world title. Now, the two meet again and it’s Lima who will be seeking revenge. Don’t miss this incredible Bellator MMA title fight in Tel Aviv, Israel, this Friday night!

 

What to Watch: Lima vs. Koreshkov

Let’s take a look at some of Jimmy Smith’s keys to victory in a welterweight world title rematch between Lima and Koreshkov.

 Champions: Andrey Koreshkov

Koreshkov is about as dominating of an opponent as you can find in the world of MMA today. Join us as we take a closer look at what makes this welterweight supreme.

 

Sitdown with Georgi Karakhanyan

Georgi Karakhanyan’s specialty in the cage? Guillotine. What about outside of the cage? We sit down with the featherweight superstar and discuss the mental preparation behind mixed martial arts competition.

 5 Rounds: Lena Ovchynnikova

Ukrainian powerhouse Lena Ovchynnikova gives us an inside look on her life outside of the cage as she prepares to make her promotional debut.

 

Event Info

A welterweight world title main event will headline the first ever Bellator MMA event in Israel, as current division champion Andrey Koreshkov(19-1) will attempt to protect his belt against the man who he took it from over a year ago, Douglas Lima (27-6). In addition, Noad Lahat (9-2) will challenge Scott Cleve (15-5) in the evening’s featherweight co-main event and Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) will replace James Gallagher to face Israel’s own Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1) in a featherweight feature fight. Finally, a female flyweight bout pitting Ukrainian star Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) against Karla Benitez (13-9-1) rounds out the SPIKE-televised main card action.

 

The preliminary portion of the event features a welterweight clash between Joaquin Buckley (6-0) and hometown favorite Jackie Gosh (6-0). In addition, over a dozen local competitors will be making their professional debut on the preliminary card of the Scott Coker-led promotion’s first event in the Middle East.

 

“Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. LIma” takes place at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Israel, and will air in America on SPIKE Friday, November 11 at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. Bellator has partnered with Ananey Communications, an Israeli television conglomerate boasting 14 channels, several of which showcase Viacom content including the EGO and EGO TOTAL channels which have broadcast Bellator in Israel since 2012.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com or Eventim.co.il/mma.

 

“Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” Fight Card

Welterweight World Title Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) vs. Douglas Lima (27-6)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Noad Lahat (9-2) vs. Scott Cleve (15-5)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) vs. Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) vs. Karla Benitez (13-9-1)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Joaquin Buckley (6-0) vs. Jackie Gosh (6-0)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Fight: Chen Shhori (Debut) vs. Kfir Eittan (2-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Haitham Kiuof (Debut) vs. Moshe Rand (3-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Rob Becker (Debut) vs. Ejargew Tariku (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Sol Renato (Debut) vs. Alex Trofimov (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Almog Shay (Debut) vs. Vitaly Khmeinytsky (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Olga Rubin (Debut) vs. Laurita Cibirite (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Raz Bring (Debut) vs. Maor Kazalkopy (Debut)

Middleweight Preliminary Fight: Alexander Nikulin (Debut) vs. Avi Baron (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Onor Keles (Debut) vs. Omri Barel (Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Zane Clerk (Debut) vs. Haim Gozali (6-3)

Welterweight Kickboxing Fight: Igor Postnikov (Debut) vs. Itai Gayer (Debut)

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS THREE-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION ROMERO COTTON TO EXCLUSIVE MMA CONTRACT

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (November 7, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of highly sought after wrestling prospect Romero Cotton to an exclusive, multi-fight contract.

The 26-year-old’s focus is currently set on finishing up his psychology degree at Nebraska Kearny University, but look for Cotton to make his professional MMA debut in 2017, where he will compete at 185-pounds.

“Having an opportunity to be part of a promotion like Bellator so early in my MMA career is one that I am thankful for. Being that I’m just starting out in the sport I thought it would be two or three years of grinding and working my way up the ladder before reaching a company of this magnitude,” Cotton said. “Having seen how Bellator’s recent string of wrestlers have been treated and performed, I’m honored to be the latest and there’s nothing I’m looking forward to more than showing the world my skills that I’ve acquired throughout my life not only as a wrestler, but as an athlete. Now, I move onto the next phase of my career and will continue to develop into a well-rounded fighter.”

A three-time NCAA Division II national champion at 197 lbs., Cotton is also a four-time All-American and is the first-ever three-time champion in the 111-year history of Nebraska Kearny University. He finished his collegiate career with a fantastic record of 66-10. Originally enrolled at Nebraska, Cotton also played football in college, redshirting his freshman year for the Cornhuskers, before tranferrring to UNK, where he played football for three years.

Cotton joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospects: Aaron Pico, Joey Davis, Jarod Trice, Tyrell Fortuneand Ed Ruth on the roster and will compete in the middleweight division, which is currently championed byRafael Carvalho.

For more information on Romero Cotton, take a look at this article on FloWrestling.com.

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

PROFESSIONAL DEBUT OF KEVIN ‘BABY SLICE’ FERGUSON JR. ADDED TO PRELIMINARY CARD OF “BELLATOR 165: CHANDLER VS. HENDERSON” AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) – One week ahead of “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif., Bellator MMA is pleased to announce the highly anticipated professional mixed martial arts debut of Kevin “Baby Slice” Ferguson Jr. will come against Aaron Hamilton in a welterweight bout during the preliminary portion of the card on Nov. 19.

The contest anchors an electric preliminary card and joins a Spike-televised main card that features a lightweight world title main event pitting current champion Michael Chandler (15-3) against Benson Henderson (24-6). In the evening’s co-main event, undefeated British phenom Michael “Venom” Page (11-0) and California’s own Fernando Gonzalez (25-13) duke it out in a welterweight thriller and Adam Piccolotti (8-0) takes on Brandon Girtz(14-4) in a lightweight clash. Lastly, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Linton “The Swarm” Vassell (16-5) against Francis Carmont (14-4) and female flyweight action pitting Keri Melendez (Debut) against Sheila Padilla (2-0) are also set for the main card.

“Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” airs LIVE and FREE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Spike and completes three consecutive weeks of championship fights on the Viacom-owned network. Tickets for the event remain on sale and can be purchased at Bellator.com, as well as SAP Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.

After originally being slated to make his professional debut at both “Bellator 160” and “Bellator 162,“ “Baby Slice” will now look to showcase his fine-tuned mixed martial arts repertoire on Nov. 19. The son of the late, great “Kimbo Slice,” made a splash in the world of MMA during an amateur contest in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where he delivered a brutal knockout punch just 1:23 into the first round. In what is unquestionably one of the most talked-about debuts in promotion history, Slice hopes to parlay his amateur success with a memorable performance on the professional circuit and carry on the legacy that his father let behind. Hailing from Miami, Florida, the Team Body Shop product now has his eyes set on joining teammate A.J. McKee as one of Bellator MMA’s top young prospects.

Hamilton will once again compete in his home state of California, after previous bouts against the likes of Max Griffin. “The Snake” will be making both his Bellator MMA debut and welterweight debut, as the 185-pound slugger attempts to trim down for what is surely the biggest fight of his career. Hamilton last competed in March and hopes to spoil the long-awaited debut of Slice.

 

Complete “Bellator 165: Chandler vs. Henderson” Main Card:

Lightweight World Title Main Event: Michael Chandler (15-3) vs. Benson Henderson (24-6)

Welterweight Co-Main Event: Michael Page (11-0) vs. Fernando Gonzalez (25-13)

Light Heavyweight Feature Bout: Linton Vassell (16-5) vs. Francis Carmont (25-11)

Lightweight Feature Bout: Adam Piccolotti (8-0) vs. Brandon Girtz (14-4)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Keri-Anne Taylor-Melendez (Debut) vs. Sheila Padilla (2-0)

 

Complete Preliminary Card:

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Kevin Ferguson Jr. (Debut) vs. Aaron Hamilton (0-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Carrington Banks (5-0) vs. Jake Roberts (7-0)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Diego Herzog (3-2) vs. Nick Pica (5-0)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Jeremiah Labiano (9-5) vs. Vince Murdock (8-2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (17-9) vs. Justin Baesman (19-10-1)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Alvin Cacdac (16-12) vs. Steve Ramirez (5-1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (2-1) vs. Luis Vargas (Debut)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Victor Jones (0-2) vs. Beau Hamilton (1-7)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Hugo Lujan (0-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (Debut)

Welterweight “VOW” Preliminary Bout: Dominic Sumer (Debut) vs. Justin Roswell (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-0) vs. Dwight Grant (6-1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Sarah D’Alelio (10-6) vs. Jaimelene Nievera (4-1)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, PHIL DAVIS TAKES HOME BELLATOR MMA TITLE WITH DOMINATING FIVE-ROUND VICTORY

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Complete Event Photos Here / Full Event Highlights Here

 

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Nov. 4, 2016) – It’s a wonderful life for Phil Davis (17-3), who dethroned Liam McGeary (11-1) on Friday night at “Bellator 163,” taking home the light heavyweight championship.

As has been the case plenty of times throughout Davis’ illustrious career, his wrestling pedigree was the deciding factor, nullifying the world-class jiu-jitsu of the Renzo Gracie-trained former champion. For nearly 25-minutes, “Mr. Wonderful” maintained top pressure on the New York-native, frustrating McGeary and putting him into desperation mode in the fifth and final round. McGeary fought valiantly to both stop and submit the longtime Alliance MMA-product, but in the end, Davis took home the unanimous decision with scorecards of 50-43, 50-45, 50-44.

McGeary, who suffered the first loss of his young career, was humble in defeat, admitting that while Davis was the better man throughout their main event fight, he will be back to reclaim what he feels is rightfully his.

Returning home to Southern California with a new belt in tow, Davis now sets his sights on his pregnant wife, who is due to give birth to his second son on Monday.

Brennan Ward & Saad Awad Provide 90 Seconds of Pure Violence

In an absolute barnburner, Brennan Ward and Saad Awad went toe-to-toe for the 86 seconds they shared the Bellator MMA cage together, doing their best imitation of Rock Em’ Sock Em’ Robots until “Irish” caught “Assassin” with an uppercut that sent the Palestinian face first into the canvas. With the knockout, Ward moves into sixth place on the all-time list of KO’s under the promotion’s banner, and now sets his sights on a future matchup against the elite at 170-pounds.

Neiman Gracie Tells the MMA World, ‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’ is Back

After finding out they would be competing live on SPIKE less than 24 hours before entering the Bellator MMA cage, Neiman Gracie (5-0) made quick work of Rudy Bears (16-15), latching on to an arm bar 4:39 into the opening frame and forcing the tap from “Bad News.” Gracie was able to add to his impressive submission record, which has now been stretched to three victories in three Bellator MMA appearances, including a pair of first-round submissions. The 27-year-old was also able to please Royce Gracie, who was cornering his bout for the evening.

Javy Ayala Spoils Return of Sergei Kharitonov in 16 seconds

In what many people thought would be a triumphant return to the sport of MMA for Sergei Kharitonov (23-6), Javy Ayala (10-5) spoiled that, sending the Russian heavyweight to the canvas in a heap following an overhand right 16 seconds into the matchup. With the victory, “Eye Candy” immediately inserted himself into further big-time match-ups, namedropping both Bobby Lashley and Matt Mitrione during his post-fight interview. In his last two outings, the Northern California-native has finished his foe in the opening round via stoppage.

Preliminary Card Results:

Ed Ruth (1-0) defeated Dustin Collins-Miles (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 3:19 of round one

Tyrell Fortune (1-0) defeated Cody Miskell (0-1) via TKO (punches) at 2:22 of round one

Tim Caron (6-0) defeated Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 of round one

Hannah Regina (1-0) defeated Sarah Payant (1-4) via submission (arm bar) at 4:51 of round one

Tim Caron (6-0) defeated Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 of round two

Blair Tugman (9-6) defeated Walter Smith-Cotito (4-5, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (29-28)

Christopher Foster (10-4) defeated Thomas English (6-7) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Tyler King (12-4) defeated Josh Diekmann (15-8, 1 NC) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:39 of round two

Carlos Corriea (2-0) defeated Ilya Kotau (1-2) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Vinicius De Jesus (5-1) defeated James Boran (6-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:55 of round 2

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale

FNU Combat Sports Show For November 3, 2016

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Tom, Tony and Rich get back to action this week to discuss upcoming fight cards, including two big MMA events: UFC Fight Night Dos Anjos vs. Ferguson and Bellator 163: McGeary vs. Davis. We preview both events and talk about the matchups. We then move to the boxing schedule where there are multiple belts on the line this week all over the globe. We spend a bit of time discussing the big Manny Pacquiao bout against Jessie Vargas. Is Manny fighting for the right reasons? Does he have enough left in the tank? We’ll know the answer Saturday night. Rich also breaks down his suspicions about vocal UFC fighters trending toward starting some type of powerful fighters union. Could the astronomical selling price of the UFC actually be the main handicap for the new owners? Did putting such a high premium on the UFC unintentionally give griping fighters more incentive to sue the company? Only time will tell.

 

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

Four fights added to solid M-1 Challenge 72 main card

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November 18 in Moscow

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (November 3, 2016) – The M-1 Challenge 72 main card is set with the recent announcement of four interesting bouts, headlined by M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko‘s title defense against former title-holder Murad “Hunter” Abduleav, November 18 in Moscow, Russia.
M-1 Challenge 72 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
In addition to the rematch between Kunchenko (14-0-0, M-1: 6-0-0) and Abdulaev (15-4-0, M-1: 3-1-0), the lightweight fight between former champion Artiom Damkovsky and Alexey “Ataman” Makhno had already been announced by M-1 Global.
Undefeated Russian middleweight Artem Frolov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0), a strong striker and Combat Sambo master, faces American opponent Luigi “The Italian Tank” Fiorvanti (26-14-0, M-1: 4-3-0) battle with future title fight implications on the line for the winner.
Frolov is coming off a three-round unanimous decision over Rafael Xavier at M-1 Challenge 70, while Fiorvanti is considered a good all-around fighter who is a former M-1 Challenge middleweight title challenger.
In a featherweight bout, fully recovered Kurbaneli Abdusalamor (6-2-0, M-1: 4-0-0) faces fellow Russian Timur Nagibin (7-2-0, M-1: 3-1-0).  Abdusalamov has won four fights in a row, including his last 13 months ago against American Lee Morrison, which ended in a 3-round majority decision for the Russian fighter before he was sidelined with injuries.
Lightweight Damir Ismagulov (8-2-0, M-1: 4-1-0), a native of Kazakhstan fighting out of Russia, meets Brazilian Rubenilton “Rubinho” Pereira (16-3-0, M-1: 0-1-0).  Ismagulov has won his last three fights, including a 3rd-round knockout of Raul Tutarauli in the M-1 Challenge 66 Fight of the Night.  Pereira is coming off a non-title fight loss by decision to M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko.
Croatian middleweight Kristijan “Klitschko” Perak (9-3-1, M-1: 0-2-1) returns to action against Talekh “The Azerbaijan Terminator” Nadzhafzads (4-1-0, M-1: 2-0-0). Perak is seeking his first M-1 victory, Nadzhafzads hopes to improve his unbeaten M-1 record to 3-0.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 18 – M-1 Challenge 72:  Kunchenko vs. Abdulaev in Moscow, Russia
Dec. 9 – M-1 Challenge 73: Emeev vs. Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia
INFORMATION

www.M1Global.tv

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@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA

BELLATOR MMA LEGEND ROYCE GRACIE JOINS ‘BELLATOR 170’ MAIN EVENT HEADLINERS CHAEL SONNEN AND TITO ORTIZ AT EXCLUSIVE AUTOGRAPH SIGNING TO TAKE PLACE FRIDAY NIGHT PRIOR TO ‘BELLATOR 163’ MAIN CARD

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ALSO: ‘BELLATOR 170: ORTIZ VS. SONNEN’ PRESS RELEASE TO TAKE PLACE AT MOHEGAN SUN THURSDAY AFTER ‘BELLATOR 163: MCGEARY VS. DAVIS’ WEIGHINS

(MORE INFORMATION)

 

 

 

Who:              Bellator MMA Legend Royce Gracie (15-2-3)

                        “Bellator 170” Main Event Competitors Tito Ortiz (18-12-1) and Chael Sonnen (28-14-1)

 

What:             Fan Autograph Signing

*For “Bellator 163” Ticket Holders Only

 

When:            Friday, November 4

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Where:           Mohegan Sun Arena Concourse

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd.

Uncasville, CT 06382

 

Event Info:    One of the true pioneers of mixed martial arts, Royce Gracie is synonymous with the sport and its growth over the years. The 20-fight veteran has been a part of some of the most memorable contests in MMA history during his tenure with the UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships. Gracie also headlined his most recent bout, a main event clash with fellow legend Ken Shamrock (28-17-2) at the record-shattering “Bellator 149” event, where Gracie came out on top with a TKO victory. Royce’s nephew Neiman Gracie competes for Bellator Friday night at Mohegan Sun.

                        While with the UFC, the 43-fight veteran Chael Sonnen competed against powerful opponents the likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva (2x), Rashad Evans, “Shogun” Rua, Demian Maia, Brian Stann, and current middleweight champion Michael Bisping. For Ortiz, the phenom’s unmatched rivalries came at the expense of MMA legends Ken Shamrock, Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva, and Randy Couture.

Before they face off on Jan. 21 at the Forum in Los Angeles, Tito Ortiz and Sonnen will host a once-in-a-lifetime meet and greet fan experience leading up to “Bellator 163” at Mohegan Sun Arena. Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” and “The American Gangster” inside Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday night.

 

 

M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

M-1 Challenge Featherweight title fight Added to M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Narts

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Ivan Buchinger defends vs.
Undefeated Magomed Idrisov
 December 9 in Ingushetia
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (November 2, 2016) – The 2016 M-1 Challenge season will be going out with a bang as M-1 Global has announced a second title fight, M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Ivan “Buki” Buchinger versus undefeated challenger Magomed Idrisov, for the December 9th M-1 Challenge 73: Battle of Nartsin Ingushetia, Russia.
The previously announced main event is a super showdown between M-1 Challenge middleweight champion Ramazan Emeev (14-3-0, M-1: 8-1-0) and knockout specialist Anatoly Tokov (24-2-0, M-1: 9-1-0).
M-1 Challenge 73 will be streamed live from Ingushetia in high definition onwww.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
Buchinger (31-4-0, M-1: 6-0-0), fighting out of Slovakia, is riding a 10-fight win streak into M-1 Challenge 73 since he lost to Conor McGregor in 2012.  He captured the vacant M-1 Challenge title October 17, 2014 at M-1 Challenge 52, stopping Tural Ragimov (see picture below) in the fourth round on punches in their Fight of the Night. Buchinger made a successful title defense 13 months ago at M-1 Challenge 62, taking a 5-round unanimous decision over Mansour Korobkov.  In his last fight, this past June against Mikhail Korobkov at M-1 Challenge 67, Buchinger needed only 4:41 of the opening round to choke his opponent into a submission in their non-title fight.
 
Idrisov is a strong striker and Russian Whu-Shu Sanda champion.  He knockout current M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Alexander Butenko in his professional MMA debut, back in 2013 in a non-M-1 Global fight.  His three M-1 Global victories have been against Yuri Maia (KO1 – punches) in the M-1 Challenge 49 Knockout of the Night, Max Coga (DEC3) and Sergej Grecicho (DEC3) in his last fight September 20, 2015 at M-1 Challenge 51 (see picture below).
 
Additional M-1 Challenge 73 fights will soon be announced.  All fights subject to change.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nov. 18 – M-1 Challenge 72:  Kunchenko vs. Abdulaev in Moscow, Russia
Dec. 9 – M-1 Challenge 73: Emeev vs. Tokov in Ingushetia, Russia
INFORMATION

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
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Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

ITALY’S OWN PIETRO CAPPELLI LOOKS TO DEFEND HOME TURF IN LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT BOUT WITH PHILIPE LINS DURING MMA PORTION OF ‘BELLATOR 168’

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MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT PITTING JOHN SALTER AGAINST  CLAUDIO ANNICCHIARICO ADDED TO MAIN CARD OF BELLATOR MMA’S RETURN TO ITALY

SANTA MONICA, CALIF (November 1, 2016) – A light heavyweight bout pitting Philipe Lins (10-1) against Pietro Cappelli (2-1) and a middleweight fight between John Salter (12-3) and Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4) have been added to “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2,” which will feature both Bellator MMA and Bellator Kickboxing brands emanating from the Mandela Forum in Florence on Dec. 10.

The evening is highlighted by a main event middleweight world title rematch pitting Rafael Carvalho (13-1) against Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC). In addition, Italy’s own Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) and Joey “The Mexicutioner” Beltran (17-13, 1 NC) will duke it out in a light heavyweight feature fight. “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” will air on SPIKE at 4pm ET/PT.

A native of Florence, Italy, Cappelli has made an immediate splash in MMA, earning consecutive victories following his professional debut in 2015. Cappelli’s first career win came at the expense of Andrzej Kulik, when the 32-year-old delivered a brutal first round knockout. He then parlayed the emphatic victory with another first round finish, displaying his noteworthy ground game with a keylock submission just one minute and one second into the bout. With a noticeable message reading “unscarred” across his stomach, the Italian competitor prepares to dive in head first with a challenging matchup against the veteran Lins in his Bellator MMA debut.

The 31-year-old Lins will enter the cage for the 12th time in his career and fifth since making his Bellator MMA debut in 2014. Hailing from Brazil, Lins began his professional career on a nine-fight winning streak, finishing opponents in seven of the victories. “Monstro” has recorded a trio of significant victories since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion, including two first round finishes and his most recent knockout win over fellow Brazilian competitor Guilherme Viana at “Bellator 159: Caldwell vs. Taimanglo.” Lins hopes to build off of his big win and silence a crowd that will be heavily in favor of his Italian opponent Cappelli.

Fresh off of his first career victory, a first round knockout over Ilyrian Hoxhay, the 32-year-old Annicchiarico looks to continue his success when he enters the cage for the first time under the direction of Bellator MMA. The Italian middleweight will face a difficult first test in Salter, a 15-fight veteran that hasn’t been defeated since 2012. With a pair of submission defeats to Salter’s name, look for Annicchiarico to take the fight to the ground and grind it out there.

The former Strikeforce competitor Salter will make his third appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, after recording victories in his first two bouts with the promotion. He is riding a recent string of success, having won four consecutive contests and seven of his past eight. Over his seven-year career, the 31-year-old Nashville, Tenn., native has collected a dozen professional victories, recording finishes in all. With nine of his 12 career wins coming in the opening round of action, Salter is known to be one of the quickest strikers in the division and most recently finished former middleweight champion Brandon Halsey.

 

Complete “Bellator 168: Carvalho vs. Manhoef 2” Card:

Middleweight World Title Bout: Rafael Carvalho (13-1) vs. Melvin Manhoef (30-13-1, 2 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Alessio Sakara (18-11, 2 NC) vs. Joey Beltran (17-13, 1 NC)

Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Philipe Lins (10-1) vs. Pietro Cappelli (2-1)

Middleweight Feature Fight: John Salter (12-3) vs. Claudio Annicchiarico (1-4)

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

FORMER DIVISION CHAMP MARCOS GALVAO RETURNS TO FACE L.C. DAVIS DURING OPENING NIGHT OF BELLATOR MMA DOUBLEHEADER AT WINSTAR WORLD CASINO & RESORT

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CHRIS HONEYCUTT-BEN REITER MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT PUTS STAMP ON STACKED MAIN CARD

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (October 31, 2016) – A bantamweight feature fight pitting Marcos Galvao (17-7-1) against L.C. Davis (23-7) and a middleweight clash between Chris Honeycutt (8-1, 1 NC) and Ben Reiter (17-1-1) have been added to the main card of “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” inside WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, OK., on December 2.

The first night of entertainment – “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” — will feature a bantamweight world title rematch between current champion Eduardo Dantas (18-4) and former belt holder Joe Warren (14-5). In addition, a featherweight clash pitting undefeated prospect A.J. McKee (5-0) against Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3) will also air live and free on the SPIKE-televised card.

Tickets for the unique doubleheader event start at just $45 and can be purchased at the WinStar World Casino & Resort Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster and Bellator.com.

“Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” airs live and free on Friday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. “Bellator 167” airs live and free on Saturday on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. Preliminary bouts for both events will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. Additional bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Brazilian superstar Marcos Galvao returns to action having won seven of his last nine and is ready for another push at the division’s belt. Hailing from Amazonas, Brazil, the illusive “Loro” has only been finished once in the past seven years, while conversely finishing his opponent in five of his 11 wins over that same period. Now Galvao returns to WinStar World Casino & Resort, the same venue where he fought and defeated Joe Warren for bantamweight gold at “Bellator 135.” Subsequently, Warren will also prepare to compete at “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2,” as he and Eduardo Dantas will face off in the main event. Needless to say, the 34-year-old Galvao will have tremendous motivation to win, as the division he once championed dominates a stacked main card in Thackerville.

Davis enters the contest for the fifth time under the Bellator MMA banner, earning victories in three of his first four bouts with the promotion. The 35-year-old bantamweight has finished his opponent in 15 of his 23 career wins, including 11 in the opening round. A winner in seven of his last nine contests, the Kansas City, Missouri native consistently finds himself amid conversation with the division’s top contenders. Davis hopes to replicate the same success that he had in his most recent victory over Hideo Tokoro at “Bellator 135,” where his split decision win was labeled Yahoo! Sports’ “Best Fight of the Half-Year.” The former Pratt Community College wrestling coach now faces an opportunity to climb the ranks in a tasty matchup against one of the game’s best.

A six-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Honeycutt made a lasting impression in his first two appearances under the promotion, recording back-to-back knockouts. Fighting out of Fresno, Calif., the 28-year-old knockout artist began his professional career with an impressive streak of six consecutive victories, including five finishes and four knockouts. “The Cutt” made a successful transition to the welterweight division in his Bellator MMA debut in 2014, before returning to the middleweight class in his most recent win over Mikkel Parlo at “Bellator 156.”

After making his professional debut in 2011, Reiter collected sixteen wins before surrendering his first career loss. The 29-year-old New Yorker competed mainly in Peru early in his career, fighting under the direction of Inka Fighting Championship, before joining the Bellator MMA fray in 2014. Since making his promotional debut for the Scott Coker-led organization, “The Hunter” has added three more victories to his already impressive résumé, as he quickly finds himself among the division’s elite. With nine of his 17 career wins coming by way of knockout or submission, Reiter hopes to add to that total with another finish in the first of a two-night special doubleheader in Thackerville, OK. Standing at six feet three inches, Reiter will look to expose his opponent Honeycutt with a significant advantage in both height and reach.

 

Complete “Bellator 166: Dantas vs. Warren 2” Main Card:

Bantamweight World Title Main Event: Eduardo Dantas (18-4) vs. Joe Warren (14-5)

Featherweight Co-Main Event: A.J. McKee (5-0) vs. Emmanuel Sanchez (13-3)

Bantamweight Feature Bout: Marcos Galvao (17-7-1) vs. L.C. Davis (23-7)

Middleweight Feature Bout: Chris Honeycutt (8-1, 1 NC) vs. Ben Reiter (17-1-1)

 

Updated Preliminary Card:

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Treston Thomison (9-4) vs. Ray Wood (7-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Jones (10-4) vs. Derrick Adkins (7-2)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Kennedy Nzechukwu (Debut) vs. Jon Lair (2-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Chance Rencountre (8-2) Levi Queen (8-3)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Gregory Babene (17-11) vs. Emiliano Sordi (14-5)